Scholarships (and grants) for FCC Students

Parents Lead Program & Scholarship

Parents Lead is a new Frederick Community College program providing assistance to parents in the pursuit of a college degree. Designed especially for financially-eligible parents of young children, the program provides specialized curriculum and advising services as well as funding to offset the costs of childcare while parents attend evening classes.

This cohort-based program is a combination of online and on-campus evening classes and can be completed in as few as five semesters. Additional financial aid is available to assist eligible students with tuition and fees. Inspire your children to pursue an education by earning a degree at Frederick Community College. The value of an education lasts for generations. Learn more

FCC Foundation Board of Directors is committed to funding all scholarships at a minimum equivalent to a 3-credit class. Scholarship funds are provided by various donors and amounts vary. Criteria varies by scholarship and students should determine if they are eligible to apply for certain scholarships after completing the general application. Students will sign in with their PeopleSoft log-in information. Students may be required to submit a thank- you letter to receive the scholarship(s). To apply, please complete the general application on Academic Works. Feel free to visit the Financial Aid Office computer lab for assistance with completing the application. For more information regarding the FCC Foundation, including the Student Success Grant fund, please visit their page.

The application windows are as follows:
Fall semester: April 1st - June 30th
Spring semester: November 1st - December 31st

Non-Credit Continuing Education Scholarship Application

Scholarships are available for students who enroll in continuing education programs. The amount of funds available varies each semester. While some scholarships are available for any programs, others are restricted to students registering for a specific course. To apply, visit the online CE Scholarship Application and follow the application instructions. Applications are evaluated through a competitive process with selections made by a committee of faculty and staff members. If you have any questions, issues, or concerns, please contact the FCC Foundation Office at (301)846-2438 or email.

FCC Children's Center Childcare Grant

This scholarship is for a very limited amount per semester. The amount ranges covers $500 per semester. Students need to be enrolled in classes at FCC. A student's class schedule is reviewed as part of the awarding process. Classes must start and end during Children's Center operating hours. Please note deadlines for submission each semester. For an application form contact the FCC Foundation Office at 301-846-2438 or email.

Maryland State Scholarships and Grants

Each year, the State of Maryland awards nearly $110 million in need-based grants and merit scholarships to more than 57,500 Maryland residents through its 19 programs. Maryland's scholarship and grant programs are available to eligible students who plan to attend any public or private Maryland college, university or career school. Money can be used by both part-time and full-time students. To apply for most state scholarships and grants, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some scholarships do require additional applications. MARYLAND STATE APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE at www.mhec.state.md.us.

For information and applications for the Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship (provides assistance to 100% disabled public service employees: children & spouses of deceased and 100% disabled public safety employees; POW's, children of POW's; children of deceased or 100% disabled military; certain 25% disabled military; and spouses and children of victims of the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attack) contact FCC's scholarship coordinator.

PLEASE NOTE: To be considered for some of these programs, you must submit your FAFSA by March 1st for the coming year.

Frederick Singles Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a Frederick County high school senior who is the child of a single parent. Eligibility is based on financial need and academic achievement. You must attend FCC immediately after you graduate from high school. The amount of the award varies. This is a nonrenewable, two-semester award. Guidance counselors nominate students by April 15 to the FCC Scholarship Committee. Contact your high school guidance counselor for more information.

Ambassador Scholarship

Ambassador Scholarship Qualifications: Each year 30 high school seniors from Frederick County are awarded the FCC Ambassador Scholarship for maintaining a 3.5 grade average through grades 9-12. It is awarded only to students who choose to attend FCC the fall term following their graduation from high school. Ambassador Scholars will be asked to participate in the Ambassador Program while at FCC. The Ambassador Program provides students an opportunity to participate for a minimum of ten hours per semester. Examples of opportunities may include providing campus tours, performing college outreach functions, assisting at college activities, etc.

Awards: Full-time students will receive $350 for the fall semester, renewable for up to three additional semesters at variable amounts, depending on maintenance of at least a 3.0 grade point average and participation in the Ambassador Program.

Applications are available on this web site (see link below), in the Admissions Office, (first floor J-Building, Enrollment Services) at FCC, and at local high schools. Ambassador Scholarships are awarded based upon date of receipt of application and high school transcript to FCC. Public, private and home school students are encouraged to apply.

Each year one senior in each public high school in Frederick County is awarded the Routzahn Scholarship. Students who choose to attend FCC in the fall after their high school graduation, and who plan to major in a business-related curriculum, may apply. Each high school may develop its own eligibility criteria. Please contact your high school guidance office for more information. Each Frederick County high school will select one student by April 15.

Other Scholarships

Community Foundation of Frederick County
2017-2018 Scholarship Application Open
March 1, 2017 – March 31, 2017

Frederick County Residents are eligible to apply for scholarships through the Community Foundation of Frederick County. The application is open March 1, 2017 – 11:59 PM March 31, 2017. There is over $950,000 in scholarship funds available, with over 400 scholarships to apply for with one application. The average scholarship amount is between $1,500 and $1,800! There are both need and merit based scholarships, with other scholarships not based on GPA.

Graduating FCC students who plan on transferring next year are also encouraged to apply!

For questions contact the Community Foundation of Frederick County at:
312 East Church Street
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone: 301.695.7660
Fax: 301.695.7775

Grants

Grants are a form of financial assistance that students do not have to repay. To determine eligibility for any of the grant programs listed below, students must first fill out and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current school year. The following grant programs are awarded annually. Students must reapply each year to determine eligibility.

Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant Program is a need-based program for those students who have not completed an undergraduate degree. Annual awards range from $0 to $5645 as determined by a Federal Formula. To apply for a Pell Grant, students must first submit a FAFSA. Additional paperwork may be requested from the student to complete a verification process.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
This Federal grant is awarded to the neediest students, as determined by the information provided on the FAFSA. Awards may range from $100 - $250 per semester, based on financial need. Students must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible.

Maryland State Scholarships and Grants
Each year, the State of Maryland awards nearly $80 million in need-based grants and merit scholarships to Maryland residents through its 23 programs. Maryland’s scholarship and grant programs are available to eligible students who plan to attend any public or private Maryland college, university or career school. Money can be used by both part-time and full-time students. To apply for most state scholarships and grants, students must fill out the FAFSA.

Deadline/Please note: To be considered for some of the State programs, students must submit the FAFSA by March 1st for the coming year. More information is available on the Maryland Higher Education Web site.

Student Success Fund
Students facing an emergency situation, or unanticipated and compelling circumstances that jeopardize their ability to successfully continue in school, may apply for Student Success Funds. View eligibility requirements. For more information or to apply, contact the FCC Foundation at 301.846.2438 or stop by Annapolis Hall, Room A200-A, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Student Loans

The Federal Direct Loan Program provides students and parents with low interest loans to assist with paying educational expenses. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender rather than a bank or other financial institution. It is recommended that all other funding sources first be exhausted before turning to student loans.

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is a loan from the U.S. Department of Education for parents of dependent, undergraduate students who complete a FAFSA and meet general eligibility requirements. The interest rate on PLUS loans is 6.41%. For information on how to apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, please contact the FCC Financial Aid Office to obtain our application.

Alternative Loans
Attending FCC is already an affordable option. We offer federal and institutional grants, scholarships, federal loans, opportunities to work on campus and a payment plan which provides the option to spread the cost of any given semester over several monthly payments.
Borrowing an alternative loan should be done so only as a last possible resort and are not recommended to be used while attending FCC. Alternative loans are NOT federally funded or regulated. We will work with borrowers on a case by case basis.

Loan Exit Counseling Loan Exit Counseling is required when you are graduating, leaving school, or drop below half-time enrollment (half-time enrollment is defined as at least 6 credits per term at FCC).

Exit Counseling prepares you for loan repayment and provides you with important details regarding your student loan rights and responsibilities and repayment plan options.

Please contact the Financial Aid Office as soon as you know you will be graduating, leaving school or dropping below half-time.

Work-Study Student Employment Program

Federal Work Study gives students a work-based learning experience on campus while providing financial support for their college education. Students must demonstrate financial need to participate in the program. Federal Work Study positions are capped at 11 hours per week. To apply for work study, please follow these steps:

Complete and submit the FAFSA. Submit any additional required forms or documents as requested by the Financial Aid Office. Incomplete application files will delay the processing of the work study application. Questions about Financial Aid can be addressed by calling 301.846.2620.

Applicants will be emailed regarding their Federal Work Study eligibility. Ineligible applicants can receive job search assistance for hourly on-campus positions or off-campus positions from the Office of Counseling and Advising. Eligible applicants will be sent a link to the open positions and application forms. Students should apply for available positions based on position availability and student suitability for the job based on stated skills, interests and abilities and student major.

Department managers will contact students directly to schedule job interviews. Students should be prepared, dress appropriately and offer references. This is a real job interview and is a competitive process, meaning other students may be interviewing for the same position. Students need to be prepared to sell themselves as the best candidate.

Department managers will make an offer to the selected candidate. If you accept a position, you and the supervisor will arrange a starting date and suitable work schedule. Students must notify their department immediately if a change in start date or work schedule becomes necessary.

Students must complete Human Resource paperwork and a background check prior to beginning employment. Once Human Resources has confirmed that a student is ready to begin employment, the supervisor will schedule an orientation prior to or on the first day of work, at which time program policies and procedures, expectations will be reviewed, and work agreements will be signed. Students will be paid for their orientation and training time.

Questions regarding the Federal Work Study program should be directed to the Federal Work Study team via email.

AmeriCorps Education Awards

Students who earned the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for completing terms of national service may use those awards at FCC for Credit and Continuing Education courses.

Students should log on to their MyAmeriCorps account to request the amount needed for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses and add Frederick Community College. Students should list the term for which the funds are needed. Students should be registered for classes when you complete the request.

Once the request has been submitted the FCC Financial Aid Office will receive an email to inform us of the pending request. We will approve, modify, or deny the request in MyAmeriCorps based on your class registration and your Cost of Attendance. If your request is approved, we will award the AmeriCorps funds to your FCC Student Account as a place holder for your classes and to purchase books and supplies.

AmeriCorps funds are sent to FCC in two disbursements. One half of your request is sent to FCC at the beginning of the semester and the second half is sent at the midpoint of the semester. As funds are received by AmeriCorps, we will disburse those funds to your account.

We may be required to return funds to the National Service Trust for students who drop classes in the 100% drop date for each session.

Please visit the AmeriCorps website for more information regarding how to use your Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.

Other Types of Financial Assistance

Deferred Payment Plan (FACTS)

FCC offers a payment plan for our academic students for both fall and spring terms. Students pay a minimal (non-refundable) application fee, then make a series of payments over the course of the semester.

Once enrolled, the payments will automatically be deducted on the 5th of each month from the designated bank account or credit card. To learn more and to sign up, click the payment plan link above. The Student Accounts Office receives immediate notification of your enrollment which secures your seat in the class!

Please Note: Do not assume your balance will automatically be adjusted if financial aid is received or a class is dropped or added. You should review your agreement balance online through My FACTS Account or call the Student Accounts Office to confirm the change.

For more information, stop by the Student Accounts Office in the Student Services Building (J-119), or contact them at 301.846.2456.

Waivers and Tuition Reductions

Tuition waivers are available for the following:
· Persons 60 years and older
· Persons retired due to disability
· 50% Tuition Waiver for Maryland National Guard
· In-county tuition is offered to Maryland residents for specific health care majors
Specific steps and special requirements for obtaining each waiver can be found in the FCC Academic Catalog under the section titled Tuition and Fees.

Military Tuition Assistance and Veterans Benefits

Active duty, reservist and retired military personnel may be eligible for educational benefits. These include:

Military Tuition Assistance for active duty military (contact your Post or Base Education Office for eligibility and procedures).

Veterans Benefits for active and separated service members (FCC has a VA certifying official in the Financial Aid Office to assist with procedures regarding VA Benefits and the GI Bill). Contact our VA rep at 240.624.2836 or visit our Veteran Services page for more information.

Education Benefits for Reservists (contact your Education Officer for information on benefits and procedures). FCC offers a 50% tuition waiver for members of the Maryland National Guard. See the FCC College catalog for details.

Frederick County Workforce Services

Need help paying for your classes? Through a grant-funded program, Frederick County Workforce Services offers tuition assistance to Frederick County residents who are either unemployed or underemployed according to established income guidelines. Candidates must demonstrate proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status. For more information and to find out if you qualify, please contact Frederick County Workforce Services at 301.600.2255. and ask to speak to a career specialist.

The FCC Transfer Center has compiled a list of scholarships that may be available for FCC students who are transferring to other schools. Check out the Transfer Center web page for information on these scholarships.

Financial Assistance through the Office of Adult Services

The Office of Adult Services provides supportive services for returning adult students, including consideration for financial assistance for eligible single parents, displaced homemakers and single pregnant women.

Tax Credits

The Federal Government has designed the Hope Credit and the Lifelong Learning Tax Credits as possible options to assist families who are paying for educational expenses.

Click below to find out more about qualifying for these tax credits.

Take Advantage of Tax Credits for College Tuition!

The federal government offers parents and students two tuition tax credit options. The Hope/American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning tax credits are available to help cover college tuition. Tax credits allow you to subtract the amount of the credit from your federal income tax bill (the deduction is subtracted from your income before your taxes are calculated).

The Hope/American Opportunity Tax Credit applies to tax years 2009 and 2010. The maximum credit is $2500 and the student must be enrolled at least half time in a program that leads to a degree.

The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit is available for all years of schooling beyond high school and for courses (even one) to acquire or improve job skills.
You can visit the following Web sites for more detailed information about these available tax credits: